They said the promotions for some of them were delayed as they had only been promoted twice in the last 15 years.
Personnel of the Traffic Warden Service of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have written a letter to President Bola Tinubu to complain about the alleged marginalisation in the force.
The Traffic Warden Service was established in 1975 as a section of the Nigeria Police Force charged with the task of discharging functions in connection with the control and regulation of, or the enforcement of the law relating to road traffic under the direction of the Police.
Since its establishment, it has remained one of the key frontline components of the Force.
In the letter seen by SaharaReporters, the traffic wardens lamented economic hardship and poor treatment despite sacrificing their lives daily for the country.
They said the promotions for some of them were delayed as they had only been promoted twice in the last 15 years.
The letter reads, “Traffic Wardens in Nigeria, an integral part of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), are currently grappling with the grievance of withheld promotions, calling on His excellency president BOLA AHMED TINUBU, National Security Adviser, Chairman PSC Dr. Solomon Arase, Minister of Police Affairs Sen. Ibrahim Geidam, Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker HOR Hon. Ibrahim Abbas to intervene.
“You may recall that the former IGP Baba Alkali Usman when intimated on how Traffic Wardens has suffered unbelievable degree of neglect, which he believes should not be left to wallow in its present precarious state has since ordered the immediate promotion of Traffic Wardens base on date of enlistment, just before his retirement.
“The delay, perceived as unjust treatment, has left the officers feeling demoralized by the authorities responsible for their well-being. They argue that the welfare of Traffic Wardens does not seem to be a priority for the Police Authority, exposing them to psychological and emotional distress, exacerbated by the present economic downturn.
“In their lament, Traffic Wardens express a sentiment of being considered as subservient under the police authority. A striking example of this is the stark contrast in the career progression of Traffic Wardens and their general duty counterparts. Those recruited in 2007 and 2008, about two decades in service, remain at the rank equivalent to sergeants (T/W G1), while their counterparts in general duty recruited in 2007, 2008 and 2009 have all been confirmed as inspectors.
“Further highlighting the disparities, are those recruited in 1989, 1990 and 1992, with over three decades of service, are still at the rank equivalent to inspectors, having enjoyed only three promotions throughout their careers. In contrast, their general duty colleagues enlisted even in 2000 have already attained the ranks of ASP's and DSP's. This stark contrast in promotions and career advancements has left the Traffic Wardens feeling overlooked and undervalued.
“Faced with these challenges, the Traffic Wardens are appealing to key figures and authorities such as the National Security Adviser, IGP Dr. Kayode Egbetokun PhD, Chairman PSC Dr. Solomon Arase, Minister of Police Affairs Sen. Ibrahim Geidam, Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker HOR Hon. Ibrahim Abbas to intervene. They seek salvation for their jobs from potential extinction and relief from the emotional toll, especially considering the commitment of the current President towards a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Addressing recruitment concerns, some Traffic Wardens emphasize that the last intake was in 2008, a staggering sixteen years ago. They assert that the failure to recommend recruitment of additional manpower has led to a gradual phasing out of the role. With senior officers retiring, some states are left with only sergeants enlisted in 2007 or 2008, lacking inspectors or any senior officers to lead them.
“The Traffic Wardens urgently call on the Minister of Police Affairs and PSC Chairman to save their service from extinction by recruiting more Traffic Warden Officers. One anonymous serving warden suggests that the committee on police reform, instituted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, should scrutinize deficiencies and loopholes in the police act, particularly section 59.
“There is a plea to repeal and amend it to establish specialization within the force, replacing the term Traffic Warden Service with Traffic Police and aligning grade levels in ranking with that of the general duty and other specialists in the force.
“In conclusion, the Traffic Wardens express confidence in the competence, knowledge, experience, and commitment of the committee on police reform. They anticipate that the committee will address these grievances, ultimately working towards fulfilling the aspiration of Nigerians for a more efficient and equitable police force.”